When Should You Call a Foot Doctor?

With how busy people are nowadays, it can be hard to slow down and listen to your body – even when it’s telling you that you need to see a doctor! It’s important to find the time to figure out if a doctor visit is necessary, since skipping one could cause you major issues down the line. Two big signs that you absolutely should call a doctor are “change,” and “pain.” If that change or pain is in your feet, pick up the phone and call us!

Here are some more specific signs that it’s definitely time to call a podiatrist:

Pain that doesn’t subside after treatment

Discolored or thickened toenails

Fever or redness associated with heel pain

Swelling, redness, or tenderness

Discharge from any area on your foot or ankle

Tingling in the heel with no discernable cause

Severe peeling or cracking in the heel

Blisters that won’t seem to heel

If your feet are causing you pain during day-to-day activities, you could be walking around on a fracture or a sprained ankle that needs immediate attention. Ankle sprains are quite common and can be caused by the simplest twist in the wrong direction. If a sprain or fracture is not treated properly, it can develop into a long-term issue. You can avoid this with a quick trip to the foot doctor.

Here are some tell-tale signs that you have a sprain or fracture:

Bruising and swelling in the injured area

Difficulty walking on one foot

Immediate throbbing around the affected area

Difficulty removing shoes

Pain that increases with activity but decreases with rest

Deformity around the affected area

Stiffness accompanied by swelling and bruising

Inability to put weight or pressure on the injured foot

Have you recently noticed a change or are you dealing with pain in your feet or ankles? It’s time to consultour podiatrists, Dr. Stuart Snyder, and Dr. Sara Sharma, here at Maple Springs Foot Center. Our foot doctors have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions and can help you decide some good exercises for your feet. To get in touch, request an appointment online or call our office conveniently located in Gaithersburg, MD at 301-762-3338.